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Ramona Hahn, matriarch of L.A. political family, dies [Updated]

Ramona Hahn, the wife of the late county Supervisor Kenneth Hahn and the mother of both former Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn and City Councilwoman Janice Hahn, died Monday at the age of 86.

Ramona Hahn's death came toward the end of Janice Hahn's race for Congress in Tuesday's extremely contentious special election.

Like her daughter, Ramona Hahn lived in San Pedro. Her death was confirmed by Doane Liu, chief of staff to Janice Hahn.

Liu said the family would have a statement later Monday.

[Updated at 1:51 p.m: James and Janice Hahn issued the following statement: "We are devastated to announce the death of our mother, Ramona Hahn. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother and wife."

"The daughter of missionaries, our mother lived her life devoted to God and her family," the statement continued, in part. "She was, without a doubt, the driving force behind our entire family. It was through her strength and support that our father, Kenny, become one of the most beloved leaders in Los Angeles' history."

Janice Hahn's campaign staff issued condolences and promised the "campaign will move forward -- as her mother would have wanted.... She was looking forward to seeing her daughter sworn in as the next congresswoman of the 36th District. We will work very hard to make that dream a reality."

Services are pending.]

The Hahn family has been involved in Los Angeles politics for decades. Kenneth Hahn was first elected to the City Council in 1947 at age 26 and became a county supervisor five years later. He served on the board for 40 years. His older brother, Gordon Hahn, served in the state Assembly and on the City Council between 1947 and 1963.

Over 24 years, James Hahn, now a Superior Court judge, held the offices of city controller, city attorney, and finally mayor. And Janice Hahn has spent the past decade on the City Council.

Photo: Ramona Hahn, far left, helps her son, James K. Hahn, swear in her daughter, Janice Hahn, for her second term on the Los Angeles City Council on June 25, 2005. Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times